The Checklist

I love to travel. Somewhat like trying to eat a big piece of chocolate cake, my eyes are bigger than my stomach. Or, in this case, my dreams are bigger than my wallet.

While I've been very fortunate in my 35 years to have had some incredible travel experiences, they are limited to Mexico the the United States. And because my obsession, as my husband calls it, involves me spending hours - or even days - in front of the computer creating both vacations I will take those that I only hope to take, I have to call myself a 50% virtual traveler. Nonetheless, I have high standards which are indulged when my careful planning and pocketbook allow. While my dreams are caviar, my teacher's salary and family obligations limit my actual extravagances. One can always dream big though, right?

Sometimes virtual travel is more fun than the real thing. Virtual dining, virtual swimming, virtual sightseeing, virtual shopping...it's all fun. And, provided credit cards stay in their rightful place, no one gets hurt. It's like the bottle of wine that can safely be ordered for the table to satisfy anyone's palette; it's perfectly safe. My friends from around the country send me links of places they've been or are thinking of going, and I do the same. I build my vacations sometimes to Griswald-efficiency despite my best hopes for a non-scheduled get away. In short, there's so many great places to see and so little time.

This brings me to the checklist. I am a checklist fiend. Whether for work, play, or simply running a household, one can never have too many checklists. They may sure that I don't forget anything and use every resource to the utmost. The same is true when I travel. I have a general "three star or better" rule for wherever I stay; something that I don't yield on. And when I swipe that card and open that hotel door, I immediately go to work. My checklist for what separates a three star from a four star is in my head and I'm taking an inventory.

It's the fine details that separate a three from a four. It's the threadcount. If it's not advertised, it's a three or less. It's the plush of the towels and their history with bleach. The toiletries must be upgraded: no Dial and Pantene for a four star. Is there triple sheeting? What about the extras: shoe shine rag, wine glasses and opener, bottled water? Mini bar? These days one must consider the quality of the TV - plasma or LCD? Do they use those nylon blankets or fluffy duvets? Again, it's the fine details that usually separate the two. With my checklist complete, I can begin my stay.

Sometimes I worry about my standards. Is it really a good use of time to research these details and care? Does it matter in life? My checklists, I think, help me out...but maybe they complicate things. My friend, who is sympathetic to my checklist orientation, stayed a night at a very solid four-star hotel with me when they opened. Naturally I was curious. I wondered if a new property would require the same, or a different, set of expectations. As I swiped the key, we entered the room. I began my research, and she flopped on the bed exclaiming "this room is great. It's the best place I've ever stayed." I admired her ability to disregard any need to take inventory and just enjoy the beautiful space. Perhaps I'll try to free myself from the tyranny of checklists and just enjoy on a very visceral level the accommodations that I've chosen. After all, I've virtually traveled here already. So long as it's three stars or more maybe I can do that. For this, I'll consult my checklist.